The Broncos won the "Re-Battle With Seattle" but, unless we missed it, there wasn't a trophy presentation.

These teams play three times in eight games, but only two — the first in New Jersey early last February and the third in Seattle late next month — matter. (A fourth very well could be scheduled in Arizona on Feb. 1, 2015.)

So, the second merely was an exhibition for evaluation and chest beating.

What, then, did we learn?

Demaryius Thomas can't be stopped.

Peyton Manning is Peyton Manning.

Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin couldn't "wait to get back to Seattle because this field was awful ... Receivers and tight ends were slipping all over the place," he told a Seattle TV station. Good that he didn't say, "The grass in Colorado was terrible," which has an entirely different meaning.

The Seahawks' stadium has artificial turf. The Broncos, who must own up to a poor history on faux sod, lost on the stuff three times last year, including the Super Bowl, and must play five times on it during this regular season. There's splendor in the grass for the Broncos.

DeMarcus Ware still can sack, Ryan Clady still can block, T.J. Ward still can be ornery, Rahim Moore still can play.

We found out that Juwan Thompson can run some, Jordan Norwood can make the team as a receiver, Nate Irving can start at middle linebacker, Orlando Franklin has moved comfortably to guard, Brock Osweiler will be a solid backup and Lerentee McCray can play.

The Broncos definitely need Von Miller (of 2012), Chris Harris, Emmanuel Sanders and Montee Ball to be ready for the season opener.

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The decision-making process for reserve spots on the offensive line (10 legitimate aspirants) and the defensive line (also 10) will be difficult; the Broncos have six quality wide receivers and three exceptional tight ends; the cornerback position remains somewhat thin; and the Broncos could use another veteran at linebacker and running back.

Bradley Roby isn't an NFL-caliber cornerback yet, and Omar Bolden may never be; three current and past draft choices won't stay on the 53-man roster; four returning veterans will be cut; three college or pro free agents will not be cut; and Isaiah Burse, an early wow factor to the unwashed masses of media, is destined for the practice squad. Tony Carter, Ben Garland, Winston Justice, Vinston Painter, Mitch Unrein and Sione Fua are in trouble. Duke Ihenacho and Quinton Carter had better get their acts back.

The Seahawks were missing a flock of starters on offense and defense, and weren't enthused about the game even though they did want to extend a nine-game winning streak in exhibitions — as if it's relevant.

The victory was more important to John Fox than he admitted. The coach was animated for an exhibition. The crowd noise did carry over from the playoff home games.

Brewer, the lowest-rated NFL player in "Madden 25," has one of the best jobs in the league as a long snapper with a salary of $570,000.

John Boyett, who played Thursday night and had a tackle after sitting much of camp with a minor back problem, may sneak onto the team as a safety/special-teams player. Most people don't know he was with the Broncos at the Super Bowl as a practice squad member. Boyett, who sat out most of his senior year at Oregon because of injury, was drafted in the sixth round last year by the Colts and made the team. While celebrating, he was arrested for being belligerent at an Indianapolis nightclub. He was cut the next day. He's a great kid and a John Lynch-type tackler who succeeded Ward with the Ducks.

Defensive end Kenny Anunike also has a chance to make the team with Duke teammate Thompson. Both were signed in May, and the Broncos have had a college free agent on the roster in 10 consecutive seasons.

The Broncos have 13 possible candidates for the Pro Bowl. The 2007 Cowboys set the record with 13 representatives. Ten Broncos were picked in 1998, John Elway's final season.

The Pro Bowl is the week before the Super Bowl in Arizona.

It would be pleasant if no Broncos and 13 Seahawks participated in that game.

Lockheed says object part of 'sensor technology' testing that ended ThursdayWhat the heck is that thing? It's fair to assume that question was on the minds of many people who traveled along Colo. 128 south of Boulder this week if they happened to catch a glimpse of what appeared to be a large, silver projectile perched alongside the highway and pointed north toward town.

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